The “golden triangle” of the South African vineyards is just a few kilometres from Cape Town. Right in the heart of this territory is Stellenbosch, a town which plunges you into an amazing colonial past inherited from the early Dutch settlers.

There are a number of good reasons to go to Stellenbosch. In the first place there is its exceptional architectural heritage; it was the second European city founded in South Africa, in 1679, after Cape Town. The first Dutch settlers landed in what is, in fact, the southernmost point of the black continent, and built large numbers of colonial houses in their inimitable Cape Dutch style. Their white-washed façades and their curved lines illuminate the city of Stellenbosch. Particular attractions are the Anglican St Mary’s church, the old coach house, Grosvenor House and Dorp Street, the oldest street in the city, with its old Lutheran church and La Gratitude house.

However, Stellenbosch is not locked away in its past. With more than 90,000 inhabitants, it is without a doubt the liveliest place in Western Cape province, with a highly-reputed ancient university (1866) which attracts onto its campus more than 23,000 students. It is also the training ground for the famous national rugby team, the Springboks.

The second reason to come to Stellenbosch is for its wine. The countryside round Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl is the regional capital of the South African vineyard, enjoying an almost Mediterranean climate and boasting a huge range of grape varieties and around twenty wine cooperatives and cellars. An excellent opportunity, when you come to visit this delightful part of the country, to taste some excellent South African vintages.